On September 25, 303, Saint Fermin of Pamplona, a Christian missionary, was beheaded in Amiens, France, while preaching the gospel. Fermin is honored as the patron saint of Pamplona, Spain, and his martyrdom became central to the Festival of San Fermín, celebrated each year with the famous running of the bulls.
303 – Saint Fermin of Pamplona Beheaded
On September 25, 1513, Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa became the first European to view the Pacific Ocean after crossing the Isthmus of Panama. His discovery opened new maritime routes for European exploration and established Spain’s interest in Pacific territories, shaping the course of future colonial expeditions.
1513 – Vasco Núñez de Balboa Sees the Pacific Ocean
On September 25, 1867, the U.S. Congress established Howard University in Washington, D.C., as the first all-black university. Named after General Oliver Otis Howard, the university became a central institution for African American education and intellectual development, playing a key role in the U.S. civil rights movement.
1867 – Congress Establishes Howard University
On September 25, 1890, U.S. President Benjamin Harrison signed legislation establishing Sequoia National Park in California, the nation’s second national park after Yellowstone. The park was created to protect the giant sequoia trees, including the General Sherman Tree, one of the largest living organisms on Earth.
1890 – Sequoia National Park Established
On September 25, 1906, Spanish engineer Leonardo Torres y Quevedo successfully demonstrated the first remote control system, known as the Telekino, in Bilbao, Spain. Quevedo used the system to remotely guide a boat via wireless signals. This technological breakthrough laid the foundation for modern remote-controlled devices used in various industries today.
